How to spend Spring Break

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In a few short days, New York City will be on spring break. This extended break from school is an ideal time to visit colleges for current juniors. If you are an 11th grade student and have not yet started visiting campuses, what are you waiting for?? Missing class to visit a college is not an excused absense. Why not? Colleges want students with top grades who are committed to academics. Missing vital classroom instruction makes it difficult to achieve those goals, so whenever possible college visits should take place when school is not in session.

Don't have any visits planned? It is not too late! At the very least, you can visit local schools that don't require a plane ticket or a hotel reservation. Not sure how to get to the campus? Don't forget to check all available options like buses from Port Authority or discount bus lines like Bolt Bus or Megabus. There are also colleges along Metro North and LIRR train lines so if your family doesn't have a car that isn't an excuse. We also have many campuses right here in the 5 boroughs that you can get to with public transportation. Use this school vacation as a gift from the college process gods -- giving you the chance to walk around and get a feel for the campus environment that fits you best.

Already have a family vacation planned during the break? Not to worry - plan ahead now for how you'll spend the rest of your spring weekends and other school breaks (Regents days when you are not testing, school holidays, etc)

How do you schedule a campus visit? It is easy! Just log on to the campus website and follow the links (usually labeled 'Visit Us' or 'Campus Tours'). Most schools want you to pre-register ahead of time so be sure to follow any instructions to make your visit worry free. It is always advisable to visit officially through the Admissions Office (as opposed to walking around on your own without checking in there), that way the campus knows you are interested.

Remember to try to visit a range of schools - if you see 5 far reach schools and zero targets and likely schools it will make it hard to get excited about visualizing yourself at those schools. When you visit, be sure to keep an open mind. Jot down your thoughts after the visit so you can keep track of your reactions - what did you love? What did you wish was different?

Visiting colleges is one of the most exciting parts of the college process - enjoy it!

AP Fee collection -- happening now!

Any 11th or 12th grade student currently enrolled in an AP course needs to submit payment (preferably in the form of a check). Each exam is $89, with a discounted cost of $20 for families approved for federal free or reduced lunch. Thanks to the PTA for their supplement of fees for these families - helping us reduce financial impact of these exams. Checks should be made out to Eleanor Roosevelt High School.

Update: low income families will now have the fee 100% waived due to federal and city funding.

Thanks!

Thanks Marlboro!

Last night, I went to a small gathering at the 8th Floor (a gallery near Union Square) to chat with alum and staff from Marlboro College in Vermont. Other than visiting campus in person, these types of NYC based events are a good way to learn more about colleges and understand better the spirit of the school and mission.

First off --- Marlboro is small. Like 300 students in the middle of the woods in Vermont small, so it isn't for everyone. But, what was clear from hearing from the alumni is that it can be life changing. For those seeking the peaceful retreat of nature combined with some serious intellectualism, it might be a perfect fit. One comment that stuck out from an alum was the observation that too often Marlboro is grouped as this very "out there" alternative education when really he experienced it as the most traditional education one can find. In other words, students think deeply on complex issues and spend time reading and studying liberal arts in a the very traditional sense of interacting with peers and professors. Many colleges we think of as 'traditional' aren't actually pursuing education in its pure form (they are using things like #2 pencils and scan trons and curves). I think the happiest students at Marlboro are probably those with interdisciplinary interests -- the integration of divergent ideas in student 'plans' was really amazing.

Thanks to Marlboro for visiting NYC!

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Davidson Tour - Part II

Downtown Charlotte, outside the art museum!

I'm back in NYC now, but wanted to add some additional comments about the rest of my time in Davidson, North Carolina. As you read in my first post, a key theme at Davidson is trust. But that word goes beyond their honor code, it also relates to the Davidson Trust, a pledge made by the school to have need-blind admissions (even for the Waitlist) and meet 100% of demonstrated need for every student. That translates into a no loan policy (unless a family feels the need to take a loan to cover the estimated family contribution) and a major commitment to making Davidson affordable for every student that is deemed eligible to be admitted. In the realm of financial aid, Davidson is also part of a small group of highly selective schools that do still award merit scholarships to about 10% of the class.

(Intrigued by the idea of schools that have no loan policies? Read more about that here)

In addition to learning more about Financial Aid, we had the opportunity to hear from a panel of students, attend a class, and have a candid conversation about the admission process. Here are the main take aways:

--- Something is working because the students we heard from (both on the panel and throughout our time there) were off the charts impressive.

--- The file reading process is deeply methodical - with counselors having a shockingly small reading load (compared to the 1800 files I used to read per year when I worked in College Admission . . . ). What does that mean? It means that they take care to pick the students they think will truly be a good fit for Davidson.

--- They really want to hear from students when there are questions or issues with the application. Parents, I know we talk about letting the student be in the driver's seat, here is an example straight from the Dean of Admission of them saying they do not want to hear from you. The applicant is the one going to college, the applicant can pick up the phone and call with questions. Don't kill the messenger.

--- Davidson is a school where ED does fill a significant portion of their freshman class. You can read more about my thoughts on ED here, but before you get nervous or upset if you don't like the sound of their stats -- think about it for a minute. This is a small liberal arts school with the highest alumni giving rate in the country. Having an applicant say they will come if they are admitted is a meaningful declaration and, for a place with such a serious honor code, it isn't the right place for everyone. One can't be surprised if a lot of the applicants they end up admitting feel it is the best school in the country for them.

Long story short - if you are thinking about small liberal arts colleges, care deeply about academic integrity, and are willing to leave the Northeast, Davidson should be on your list of places to research and visit.

Davidson Tour

As we exited a building on the tour we stumbled upon these students conducting some type of experiment. Science in action!

Back in the days before New York City had superstorms, I got a phone call from Davidson College inviting me on a counselor college tour to see the school during my February break. I said to myself, "Great! I don't even have to miss school in order to go!" Famous last words . . . .

I arrived in Charlotte today and will be here for the next 48 hours getting an in depth look at Davidson College, a small liberal arts college about 25 minutes from Charlotte. Today we had the chance to take a campus tour, attend a faculty panel, and have dinner with the opportunity to hear remarks from the President of the college and a member of the faculty.

A few things stand out to me as I reflect back on the day. With about 2,000 students (about four times the size of ElRo) Davidson is the kind of school that one should only explore if you want to be an active learner in the classroom. If you don't know what I mean, let me put it this way: the largest classes at Davidson are capped at 35 students. I repeat, the LARGEST classes at Davidson are capped at 35. As in only one more student per class than the current ElRo class size limit. No huge weed-out lab science lectures. No darkened auditoriums with 500 seats. 35 students. Attendance at class matters. Participation in class matters. If you want to be a passive sponge with the chance to repeat back facts from powerpoint on a multiple choice mid-term, this is not your school. However, if you like the idea of stopping by your professor's living room ever other week or getting back the first assignment of the term without the instructor needing you to tell him your name (because he's memorized the faces from the school ID cards that appear on his roster), keep reading.

Honor Code signatures

 I feel that a key aspect to Davidson's identity is its Honor Code. The Honor Code isn't some archaic list of rules that students believe in in spirit but forget to use in practice - it is a living and breathing spirit on campus that students pledge not to cheat, lie, or steal from one another. Tests are often scheduled by the students and given without supervision. Bikes are all over campus but I didn't see a single one with a bike lock. Trust is paramount. I was impressed to see the halls of a main campus building lined with row after row of 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper, each one filled with signatures of each enrolled student, a visual reminder of the pledge each student takes when they arrive on campus.

Professor Alexander

Tonight at dinner, we heard from President Carol Quillen who is, herself, a relatively recent addition to Davidson's campus. I get the sense that the faculty, staff, and students are eager to see how her vision can come to life and they have great faith in her ability to reach her goals. One of my favorite parts of the day consisted of remarks shared by Dr. Chris Alexander, a professor of Political Science. Holy cow, give this man a TED talk already. He spoke about the interesting phenomenon that studying abroad has become more popular than ever with American students, but that these experiences have actually decreased in length as they have become more common (foreign language fluency has also decreased over time). Begging the question of whether studying abroad has become more about checking a box on a resume building quest and less about international understanding, exposure, and growth. A staggering 83% of Davidson students have some type of international experience during their 4 years - over 60% of which are credit bearing experiences. Professor Alexander shared anecdotes about how Davidson is working against the grain to emphasize meaning through international experiences. It was a pleasure to hear him speak. 

It is hard to summarize all that we've seen in just one day - but I'll do my best. One theme that the faculty panel really stressed was access. A small college like Davidson can give students unparalleled access in all senses of the word (financial aid leading to access, physical access to campus resources, small class size, faculty and staff access, etc). 70% of faculty live in the area immediately surrounding campus. The liberal arts education at Davidson means intellectual dexterity that can prepare students for the world of work in a way that a pre-professional major at a Research I university just can't.

Speaking of things you won't find at a large university: students get two loads of drop-off laundry per week included as part of tuition.

OMG the new essay topics!!

I literally squealed when I opened the email from the Common App announcing the new essay topics for the Common App 4. The NACAC session this fall (where I got to sit on the floor) really built up the anticipation for the new essays - most notably the end of the 'choose your own topic' choice and the enforcement of a new hard cut off in terms of word count. So, here is the deal: essays now must be between 250 and 650 words. And the essay prompts are:

• Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

• Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?

• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

• Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?

• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, I'm in love. **Attention overeager Juniors -- do not start drafting your essay now. It is too early!**

Image (JFK's college essay)

Juniors: Ready, Set, Go!

Last Wednesday marked the first ever Junior College Kickoff - a new approach to the college process that meant jumping right in! (In the past, students got a slow introduction to the process over a series of weeks). THANK YOU to the Class of 2014 for truly making this afternoon presentation a major success. Over the course of two hours, students heard a presentation about the ins and outs of the college process, got a crash course in the Naviance website, got registered on their Naviance accounts, filled out paperwork for me, and took home important forms that will be used to schedule their Junior College Meeting.

I have posted the powerpoints that were presented on the ElRo College Office Website under the 'Juniors' tab. Students were also given their hard copy of the College Office Handbook. This Handbook should be the first place you go to look when you (or your parent/guardian) have a question about the college process.  The next year might be stressful, it might be overwhelming, but very few parts of it will involve a question that doesn't have an answer that can be found in that handbook. Read it cover to cover. Take notes in it. Share it with your family.

Over the next semester, I will meet with each student individually for a one on one meeting. This first of two meetings will mostly focus on getting to know you and brainstorming the qualities you are looking for in a college. Other tasks for juniors this semester include taking standardized testing and starting to visit colleges over weekends and breaks. Remember, students shouldn't turn in their junior meeting request form until AFTER they have completed their Junior Survey in Naviance.

And we're off!

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Demystifying Standardized Testing

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Thanks to everyone who attended last night's Demystifying Standardized Testing event here at ElRo. I think those who came would agree that you came away with lots of great information about college admission testing. Thank you to Kaplan for generously offering to present and share so many good tips.

Couldn't make it last night? Here are the general take aways:

-- Students should explore both the ACT and SAT to determine which exam they are naturally better on. Then take that exam two times using whatever preparation method works best for them. For some people, that will just mean taking a few free practice tests, others will take a group prep class, others still will opt for one on one tutoring.

-- All colleges take both the SAT and ACT - there is no advantage to using one test or the other. Pick the test that is best for you.

-- The ACT has a science section, but it is really more of a reading and graph comprehension section. Don't let it scare you if you think you aren't a science whiz.

-- The SAT has many short sections and is a longer test. The ACT has fewer sections, but each section is longer.

-- The SAT is out of 2400 points and the ACT is out of 36 points. Compare your performance on the two exams by clicking here. 

-- Some colleges (usually the most selective schools in the country) require Subject Tests in addition to the regular SAT or ACT. Most students at ElRo are better served raising their main SAT/ACT score than worrying about these extra tests - BUT for students that notice they are consistently earning top grades and breezing through their ElRo classes, taking a subject test might be something to explore. Extra bonus -- many colleges that ask for Subject Tests will also accept the ACT with writing in place of the SAT and subject tests - so one ACT can be submitted instead of three (the SAT and two subject tests).

-- If you do decide to take a subject test, it is best to take it at the end of the school year when you finish that subject (so for world history, for example, that might be the end of sophomore year when you finish global).

-- The ACT or SAT should be taken at least once in the spring of Junior year (usually between the months of March and June). They can be retaken for a second time as late as November of Senior year.

Happy New Year!

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Happy New Year from the College Office!

Senior students and their families - don't forget, the FAFSA goes live tomorrow - gather your documents now and go to www.fafsa.gov tomorrow. Haste makes waste though - so don't rush through the form. Call the help line if you get to a question that you don't know how to answer. Use last year's taxes and the final paystub from 2012 to complete the form now. Then resubmit later in the year once your taxes are complete. 

'Tis the Season

 

As 2012 winds down, I'd like to send out a gentle reminder that the end of the calendar year is a great time to take a minute to thank the teachers that wrote you letters of recommendation. I can speak from personal experience when I say that writing letters is something I just don't have time to do during the school day. Every letter represents time taken out of my weekend to advocate for an ElRo student. A teacher, who shall remain nameless, commented how nice it would be if students would say thank you - not with a gift - but with a card or email. I encourage you to make a habit, as you get older, of thanking those that have helped you along the way. Take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work the teachers have put in to help complete your application. Good karma is real, pass it on.

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